Lynn Laureys in his tournament umpire “regalia” (photo by Dennis Purcell)
King Mitchell
It’s Jan. 26 (the big 75 year for yours truly—the “hot bat” year), which is deadline day for the SaddleBrooke Progress and three weeks into the Winter season. By the time you read this in mid-February, the season should be five weeks underway. The Winter season runs from Jan. 5 through April 17. Of course, there’ll be our annual St. Patrick’s Day Tournament on March 14.
Winter League Action
Yes, not a lot of action yet. In fact, given the rain the first week of the season, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday got canceled!
On Mondays in Recreational, Heredia’s Landscaping has jumped out to a 2-1 start, with KJK Insurance Specialists taking a beating from the ‘scapers so far and are 1-2. In Community, Big Bear Garage Doors, Anne Fraley-Long Realty, and Barron Electric are all tied at 2-2 each. Could be a barnburner season for this league.
On Tuesdays in Community, Anne Glen-Long Realty has a 2-1 advantage over Brittni Guttman-Allstate Insurance at 1-2. Long way to go, though. Over in Competitive, Catalina Family Dental is 2-1, and Bubb’s Grub is 1-2.
Wednesdays are Sidewinder (AA) and Community (AAA) day. In Sidewinder, Ambient Air Heating and Cooling has taken the first two games and is 2-0 to Absolutely Art’s 0-2. In Community, Dominick’s Real Italian is also off to a 2-0 start, with Debra Miller-State Farm at 0-2.
Thursdays now feature a second Rec league as well as Coyote (65+). In Rec, Hughes Credit Union took the league “opener” and game two, for a 2-0 record, while Leah Kari Solutions took the hit in both games and are 0-2. Over in Coyote, Harn Legacy Estate Planning and Hardin Brothers Automotive are tied at 1-1 apiece.
Friday teams finally got in a couple games, and in Competitive, Andy’s Irrigation and Cleere Law Offices are tied a 1-1 each. Ditto over in Community for Community Church of SaddleBrooke and Concierge Air Conditioning with each 1-1.
St. Patrick’s Day Tournament, March 14
That’s right, neighbors! A three- (maybe four-, depending on sign-ups) game tournament featuring the women and men of the SSSA and sponsored (I’m told) by Golf Cars of Arizona and Harn Legacy Estate Planning. Food, fun, softball, music, and plenty of neighborly yakkety-yak. Save the date!
Well, I could go on, as you know! But I’m at my limit, so that’s a wrap. Winter League games are daily, Monday through Friday, starting at 9 a.m. Practices are on Saturday when you can tune the bat and glove. You can surf the Association at saddlebrookesoftball.com.